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Emerging Technology to Combat Food Waste

  • Writer: Sophia Yang
    Sophia Yang
  • Mar 1
  • 6 min read

Updated: Apr 10

From growing crops to distribution, food waste remains an issue concerning all aspects ofthe production process. Contrary to popular belief, food waste can occur before reaching the dinner table. In fact, by 2030, food waste is projected to increase by 2.1 Billion tons annually. (Detisch, 2018). Mountains of discarded nutrients contribute to environmental degradation and threaten a sustainable future, however, cutting-edge technology has begun to limit the wastefulness in our food systems. Addressing the issue of food waste is vital to forging towards a sustainable future and minimizing food waste before it even reaches the consumer. 




Farmland Applications of Derived Biofuels 

The valorization of organic waste into biofuels (the process of turning animal and plant waste into renewable energy) is used to achieve environmental sustainability and bring about a circular economy: an economic system focused on minimizing waste and maximizing resource efficiency by reusing, recycling, and regenerating materials in a loop. 

For instance, Christian Bux, a researcher at the University of Bari Aldo Moro, discusses how biofuels could assist rural communities in Italy. Rural tourism has been taking Italy by storm; therefore, the research conducted aims to calculate the benefits of anaerobic digestion and composting in rural areas, specifically organic waste. The anaerobic digestion and composting plant under research in Southern Italy has a capacity of 100,000 tons per year and utilizes waste from households, retail markets, and restaurants. (Bux, 2023). 


Not only did the valorization of food waste in Italy provide a renewable source locally available and a conclusive shift to sustainable agriculture with its reduction of CO2, but composting plants also provided diverse job opportunities and economic drive in the community. However, challenges include the large engineering volume and the capital construction of compositing plants are excessive, especially for rural areas. Although the study provides insight exclusively into rural areas experiencing urbanization, it is important to emphasize how waste generated by rural communities is comparatively lower than urban areas. This is generally due to differences in consumption patterns, population density, and industrial activity. While sustainable waste management practices have proven effective in rural settings, their implementation in urban areas presents distinct challenges, such as higher waste volumes, complex waste streams, and logistical hurdles. However, this also suggests that with the right systems and infrastructure, these practices could be just as effective in urban settings, if not more so, given the greater potential for impact. 


Another study focusing on food valorization discusses possibilities to moderate climate change and better harness renewable energy. Food waste’s prevalence is integral to a circular economy, an idea that continues to gain more attention worldwide. Ideally, the circular economy should run on bio-based energy and is anticipated to replace the fossil-based linear economy. (Tahereh Soleymani Angili, 2022) In conclusion, anaerobic digestion plants reduce the amounts of organic waste sent to incinerations, reducing greenhouse gas and groundwater contamination. Hence, why it is becoming increasingly important to utilize materials and resources better. 


Communication

People have developed creative ways to handle food waste using digital platforms. Online communities offer ordinary individuals, regardless of location or professional background, an opportunity to contribute to environmental improvement and engage in social media movements. 


A study utilizing nearly 50 650 tweets regarding zero waste and food hashtags were recorded, written by 21,271 unique users worldwide. Twitter (renamed as X) is considered one of the most active platforms for food and environment-oriented communities. Content ranged from Zero-waste lifestyles to climate change activism, recipes, and packaging, which are instrumental in shaping the behaviors of the masses. (Šálková, Olesya Maierová, 2023) 

Evidently, social media serves as an efficient tool for diffusing information and affecting engagement. Twitter’s broad audience and timely updates ensure that messages can spread globally. Using hashtags on such platforms allows users to display interest in specific campaigns that keep individuals informed and active. Twitter users know the relationship between zero waste  and plastic waste production, which is evident in hashtags like #plasticfree. Using hashtags like #climatechange and #circulareconomy indicates an awareness of broader environmental and societal concerns. Social media can be a powerful educational tool connecting individuals to educative articles and be an outlet to address their concerns. 


Current methods to determine fruit ripeness are cumbersome to implement at large scales. These professionals used advanced wireless signals to collect information not available to the eye and reveal critical information about quality underneath. The Princeton-Microsoft method is one of the initial approaches to harness signals from advanced communication technologies like 6G, including terahertz signals. This innovative technique is designed for intelligent food sensing, and researchers predict that this tool’s ability can work on foods that aren’t fruits, in the future. 


Autonomous Solutions for Farmers

Over the past few decades, developing countries have experienced a surge in population growth, increasing waste production. Past waste management methods have proven inefficient in handling the escalating volume of production.


The Internet of Things (IoT) emerges as a groundbreaking technological solution explored in-depth by Mirjana Maksimovic, an expert in technical science. IoT connects physical objects to the internet, enabling faster monitoring and offering a promising avenue for addressing food waste management. IoT sensors monitor real-time temperature, moisture, and humidity so farmers can take sufficient precautions to ensure healthy crops (Maksimovic, 2014). Critical considerations for IoT-powered waste management systems include affordability, easy installation, and quick learning ability. The application of the Green Internet of Things (G-IoT), aligned with eco-friendly principles has shown substantial efficacy in minimizing waste generation. 


This, in turn, contributes to creating cleaner and safer living environments. Integrating modern technologies is a formidable approach to tackling contemporary societal challenges, particularly in the realm of effective waste management. However, IoT carries a potential challenge, as present devices require self-management for a waste management system. Nevertheless, novel technologies represent a powerful solution to the challenges of modern society. 


Dr. Helen Onyeaka, a qualified industrial microbiologist with over 25 years of experience who is affiliated with the University of Birmingham delves into Artificial Intelligence’s potential when addressing food waste and fostering a Circular Economy. In her exploration, she emphasizes the role of AI in maximizing resource efficiency and influencing the shift to a circular food system. The key aspects involve sourcing food sustainably and locally, eliminating avoidable food waste through design, and promoting the development and marketing of healthier food items. (Onyeaka, 2023) 


Dr. Onyeaka mentions the critical impact AI can have on reshaping farming practices. Many crops are cultivated in manners that deplete soils and agrobiodiversity. Here, AI emerges as a valuable tool, offering precision farming techniques to assist farmers, ultimately curbing food waste in the agricultural sector. Integrating AI into the food industry helps efficiently address food waste, assisting the initiation of a circular economy, and enhancing sustainability in food production.


In conclusion, while an ideal approach involves a perfectly balanced combination of mitigating food waste strategies, the novel innovations of computing and precision farming, assisted by IoT and AI, have shown to yield far better results and great potential for the future. As explored by Mirjana Maksimovic and Dr. Helen Onyeaka, IoT and AI offer real-time monitoring and promotes precision farming. By integrating innovative technologies presents a formidable approach to contemporary waste management and sustainability challenges. These solutions contribute to cleaner living environments, economic growth, and a shift towards responsible consumption.


 

Written by Mahi Shah


References:

AgriTera: Accurate Non-Invasive Fruit Ripeness Sensing via Sub-Terahertz Wireless Signals | Proceedings of the 29th Annual International Conference on Mobile Computing and Networking. (2023). Retrieved January 17, 2024, from ACM Conferences website: 

Bux, C., Cangialosi, F., & Amicarelli, V. (2023). Biomethane and Compost Production by Anaerobic Digestion of Organic Waste: Suggestions for Rural Communities in Southern Italy. Sustainability, 15(21), NA. 

Maksimovic, M. (2018). Leveraging the Internet of Things to Revolutionize Waste Management. International Journal of Agricultural and Environmental Information Systems [IJAEIS], 9(4), NA. 

Šálková, D., Maierová, O., Kvasničková Stanislavská, L., & Pilař, L. (2023). The Relationship between “Zero Waste” and Food: Insights from Social Media Trends. Foods, 12(17), NA. https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A764265750/AONE?u=j043905002&sid=bookmark-AONE&xid =8418aec4

Soleymani Angili, T., Grzesik, K., Salimi, E., & Loizidou, M. (2022). Life Cycle Analysis of Food Waste Valorization in Laboratory-Scale. Energies, 15(19), NA. 

The world has a food-waste problem. Can this wireless tech help fix it? (2023). Retrieved January 17, 2024, from Princeton University website: 

Onyeaka, H., Tamasiga, P., Nwauzoma, U. M., Miri, T., Juliet, U. C., Nwaiwu, O., & Akinsemolu, A. A. (2023). Using Artificial Intelligence to Tackle Food Waste and Enhance the Circular Economy: Maximising Resource Efficiency and Minimising Environmental Impact: A Review. Sustainability, 15(13), NA. 

Waste, F. (2018). Food Waste Set to Increase to 2.1 Billion Tons Annually by 2030. Retrieved January 17, 2024, from Yale E360 website: 


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